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C1 Advanced (CAE)
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You need to answer the question with between 220-260 words. In the text, you need to analyse a question using di erent
points of view. It is a semi-formal text and should be impartial until the conclusion. What the examiner wants to see is a
balanced argument that is both interesting and easy to read.
Introduction
Introduce the topic and say what you are going to talk about and capture the interest of the reader with a
question, a fact or an extreme opinion.
1 st paragraph
The first point from the notes (you can mix points if they are related). This should be your main point, you must justify
why it is the most important.
2 nd paragraph
The 2nd point from the notes, you need to link it to the first. Explain why it is of secondary importance.
3 rd paragraph
This is optional and can be linked to the second paragraphs. It explains the final point and links to the others.
Conclusion
A summary of what you have said in the main paragraphs and make your main point. It must be interesting and the
reader should learn something from it.
Language
This is an advanced piece of writing, so make sure your choice of language reflects it. You will get marked for accuracy,
however, occasional errors can still be present as long as they do not impede understanding. So don’t play it too safe. This is
your opportunity to show what you can do, so take some risks and have fun with it!
Vocabulary
In the writing paper you should use a range of vocabulary, including less common lexis. Brainstorm some vocabulary related to
the topic. Take your time to think of nouns and compound nouns that you know at C1 level. Really let your vocabulary sparkle.
There are two approaches you can choose to write your essay.
Introduction
Present and develop the essay question in your introduction
1 st body paragraph
2 nd body paragraph
Conclusion
Give your opinion
CAE Essay: Example essays
Subject:
Your class has attended a panel discussion on facilities which should receive money from local authorities. You have made
the notes below:
museums
sports centres
public gardens
Write an essay discussing two of the facilities in your notes. You should explain which facility it is more important for local
authorities to give money to, giving reasons in support of your answer.
Introduction
In regard of a recent discussion about the facilities, which are financially supported by local authorities, I would like to
write a few of my personal thoughts. Whether we are talking about sports centres or public gardens, there is no doubt
that they are both a good thing to have in the city and should both be supported somehow. The only question then is
which one of these is more important, what are the pros and cons of each one?
1 st body paragraph
Let me start with the sport centres as I think these are a bit more problematic. Obviously, in our times where lots of people
spend days sitting in their o ce staring at a computer, some sort of physical training is very important. We have to
balance that shift in our lifestyles. The problem I see with supporting the sports centres is the number of activities that you
can do at these days. There is almost countless list of either individual or team sports that we can think of, and each
centre is usually designed for a specific type or at least a group of sports similar in its nature. Therefore I think that it is too
di cult to support them equally and we can’t say which activity is better than the others either. Another reason for not
financing sports as much as green parks is their commercial use. What I mean by that is that we usually pay for everything
the centre o ers us to do and therefore they are more able to last from their own money than gardens.
2 nd body paragraph
Regarding of the green spaces, the situation is much clearer I think. Every city needs gardens where people can sit and
relax, but nobody is going to pay a tax for just walking around.
Conclusion
These factors lead me to my conclusion, that the public gardens are definitely a facility which should be financed from
public money, whereas in the case of sports centres, the situation is questionable.
Subject:
Your class has attended a panel discussion on the action governments can take to promote health and fitness among
young people. You have made the notes below.
‘There need to be specialist sports teachers for children and students of all ages.’
‘Some young people are put o by the pressure to compete.’
‘A lot of young people don’t think it’s cool to take part in sports.’
Write an essay for your tutor, discussing two of the actions in your notes. You should explain which action you think is more
important, giving reasons to support your opinion.
Introduction
We often hear about the many benefits of health and fitness. However, less often do we hear concrete suggestions for
how to improve participation rates, particularly among young people. In this essay I will discuss two possible actions that
governments could focus on in order to promote health and fitness to youth today.
1 st body paragraph
The first possible action is to improve physical education teaching in schools. Local students have at times complained
that the curriculum is rigid and emphasizes repetitive activities instead of team sports and enjoyment. Better role models
and more adventurous options could lead to improved attitude and participation. Naturally, employing specialist sports
teachers would incur considerable cost.
2 nd body paragraph
A second option would be to attempt to change the overly competitive attitudes that seem ingrained in many of the
sports competitions for youngsters. When adults such as parents and teachers focus on winning above having a good
time, it puts undue pressure on the participants. They may feel a sense of failure if they lose and also be less inclined to try
a new sport.
Conclusion
In summary, either approach would be a step in the right direction. In my view, it would be wise to prioritize dealing with
reducing competitiveness first because I believe it would help young people feel better about the sports they already do.
They could then, in turn, influence their friends to join in.
In class you have had a discussion about inequality and work. You have made the notes below:
Write an essay discussing two of the points given and explain the reasons behind your answer.
Recently, you have held a discussion in a university plenary about work-life balance. You have made the notes below:
Work is the pillar of society though it is obvious that people need to disconnect. Where is the balance?
Write an essay using two of the points and say what might be the most e ective way of achieving a healthy work-life
balance
What might be the most e ective strategy to prepare young people for work?
Work placements
Workshops in schools
Establishing links with local businesses
Write an essay discussing two of the points and say which should be implemented into the national curriculum.
The final paragraph is the best place to express your opinion clearlyUseful phrases (Writing essays)
We will finish it with some useful vocabulary mostly used to organize information. Although it is taking a shortcut, if you learn
several expressions for each paragraph in each type of text that could be on your exam, you will certainly be able to create a
very consistent and well-organized text.
Stating facts
Formal: It is certainly true that…; It is certainly the case that…; Undoubtedly…; Undeniably…; Unquestionably…
Suggesting causes
Formal: It is also the case that…; In addition…; Furthermore…; More importantly…; More significantly…
Informal: Another reason for this could/may/might be…; Besides…; Also…; On top of this…; Another thing…
Stating results
Informal: So…
Neutral: It is not necessarily true that…; Not everyone agrees that…; It seems unlikely that…
Contradicting a statement
Formal: Currently…
Informal: Today…